[BRAZIL 2014] The USA advanced to the second round of the World Cup when it finished in second place in Group G. It lost to Germany, 1-0, but Portugal's 2-1 win
over Ghana was not enough to overtake the Americans on goal difference. Next up: either Belgium or Algeria on Tuesday in Salvador.

Thomas Mueller's fourth goal of the
tournament was the game's only goal, coming in 55th minute after U.S. keeper Tim Howard had made a diving save on a shot by Per Mertesacker.

Moments later, Asamoah Gyan equalized in the Ghana-Portugal game, but a Cristiano Ronaldo goal -- his first of
the 2014 World Cup and 50th of his international career -- gave the Portuguese a 2-1 win.

A fine showing by Concacaf: 8-3-4, with three teams going through.
Asia is 0-3-8 (and Korea unlikely to beat Belgium) by comparison.
FIFA will seriously need to consider giving Concacaf 4 full slots, instead of 3.5, in 2018.
I hope the magic continues in the next round, especially for the Ticos!

David Whitehouse

commented on: June 26, 2014 at 2:32 p.m.

Whoops! 5-3-4 for Concacaf

stewart hayes

commented on: June 26, 2014 at 5:44 p.m.

I am thrilled. I thought the defense played with great composure. I have to say however why do defenders turn sideways when opponents shoot? Why do they raise their legs high enough for shots to go underneath or between their legs? Muellers shot should have been blocked. Defenders should be better schooled in closing off angles and blocking portions of the goal when they cannot prevent a shot. They will then give their goalkeeper the smallest goal to defend.